Methods and apparatuses for altering relative curvature of field and positions of peripheral, off-axis focal positions

Abstract

A method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling optical aberrations to alter relative curvature of field by providing ocular apparatuses, systems and methods comprising a predetermined corrective factor to produce at least one substantially corrective stimulus for repositioning peripheral, off-axis, focal points relative to the central, on-axis or axial focal point while maintaining the positioning of the central, on-axis or axial focal point on the retina. The invention will be used to provide continuous, useful clear visual images while simultaneously retarding or abating the progression of myopia or hypermetropia.

1. A method of altering myopia- or hypermetropia-progression in an eye having a retina comprising the steps of:
 applying a corrective device to said eye, said correcting device comprising an optical configuration for controlling off-axis peripheral aberration and relative curvature field of said device; 
 controlling off-axis peripheral aberration of said eye and said corrective device; 
 shifting the image of a peripheral visual field relative to a peripheral retina while substantially simultaneously positioning a central image at or near a fovea; and 
 providing substantially clear central vision and a signal to modify axial growth. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of shifting the image of the peripheral visual field relative to the peripheral retina further comprises positioning the interval of Sturm partially or entirely in front of the peripheral retina.